The Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350 is a premium version of the Classic 350, bringing a unique bobber-style design to the 350cc segment. Priced between ₹2.78 to ₹2.81 lakh (on-road Mumbai), it is the most expensive 350cc motorcycle in Royal Enfield’s lineup. But does it justify its price tag? Let’s dive into a detailed review to find out.
Design & Aesthetics: Retro with a Modern Touch
One of the biggest highlights of the Goan Classic 350 is its distinctive design. While it retains much of the Classic 350’s visual appeal, it incorporates several tweaks that make it stand out:
Wider tires: The front gets a 100-section tire (vs. 90-section on the Classic 350), and the rear gets a 130-section tire (vs. 110-section on the Classic 350). The wider tires enhance the bike’s stance and stability.
Smaller rear wheel: Unlike the Classic 350, which uses an 18-inch rear wheel, the Goan Classic 350 features a 16-inch rear wheel with white sidewalls, adding to its retro charm.
Cross-spoke wheels: These allow for the use of tubeless tires, improving convenience and safety.
Blackout treatment: The engine features gloss black finishing instead of chrome, giving it a more aggressive look.
LED Lighting: The motorcycle comes with full-LED headlights and indicators, a modern upgrade for a classic bike.
Unique badging: The “Royal Enfield” branding has a stylish retro font, adding to the bike’s exclusive appeal.
Overall, the Goan Classic 350 looks more like a custom-modified motorcycle straight from the factory, which is a significant part of its appeal.
Ergonomics & Comfort: Bobber-Style Experience
Riding the Goan Classic 350 feels different from the standard Classic 350, thanks to several ergonomic changes:
Handlebar: The bike gets an APE-style handlebar, which enhances comfort for long rides.
Lower seat height: The seat height is reduced from 805mm to 750mm, making it the second-lowest Royal Enfield bike after the Meteor 650.
Peg positioning: The foot pegs are sourced from the Meteor 350, meaning they are slightly forward-set, offering a more relaxed riding position.
Suspension tweaks: The front features 41mm telescopic forks with 130mm of travel, while the rear suspension travel has increased from 90mm to 105.3mm.
While the lower seat height will benefit shorter riders, the stiff suspension setup may compromise ride comfort, especially on bad roads.
Performance & Engine: Smooth, But Not Sporty
The Goan Classic 350 is powered by the familiar 349cc, single-cylinder, air-oil cooled engine, producing:
20.2 HP @ 6,100 RPM
27 Nm torque @ 4,000 RPM
This engine is known for its refinement and torque-heavy nature, making it perfect for relaxed cruising. However, it is not designed for high-speed performance.
Ride Feel & Handling
The 5-speed gearbox shifts smoothly but could benefit from a 6th gear for better highway cruising.
Vibrations are present, especially on the handlebars, pegs, and seat at higher speeds.
At 80 km/h, the ride is smooth and comfortable. However, at 100 km/h, windblast and vibrations start to become noticeable.
The bike can reach a top speed of around 117 km/h, but it takes its time getting there.
Fuel Efficiency
The Goan Classic 350 delivers around 30-35 km/l, depending on riding conditions.
With a 13-liter fuel tank, expect a range of 390-450 km per full tank.
Braking & Safety: Strong Performance
The Goan Classic 350 features dual disc brakes with dual-channel ABS.
Front brake: Strong performance, but initial bite is slightly missing.
Rear brake: Adequate stopping power, good feedback.
The braking system is one of the best in the 350cc segment, offering confidence-inspiring performance.
Features & Technology: Small Yet Useful Upgrades
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The Goan Classic 350 gets some modern features that add to its practicality:
Semi-digital instrument cluster: Includes an analog speedometer and a small digital display for fuel level, trip meters, and odometer.
Tripper Navigation: When connected via the Royal Enfield App, it provides turn-by-turn navigation powered by Google Maps.
Adjustable levers: A first for a 350cc Royal Enfield.
USB-C charging port: Convenient for charging mobile devices on the go.
Comparison with Competitors
The Goan Classic 350 faces stiff competition from the Jawa 42 Bobber and the standard Royal Enfield Classic 350.
| Feature | Goan Classic 350 | Classic 350 | Jawa 42 Bobber |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (₹ lakh) | 2.78 - 2.81 | 2.3 - 2.72 | 2.5 - 2.85 |
| Engine (cc) | 349 | 349 | 334 |
| Power (HP) | 20.2 | 20.2 | 30.2 |
| Torque (Nm) | 27 | 27 | 32.74 |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 5-speed | 6-speed |
| Seat Height (mm) | 750 | 805 | 740 |
| Fuel Efficiency (km/l) | 30-35 | 30-35 | 28-32 |
While the Jawa 42 Bobber offers more power and a 6-speed gearbox, the Goan Classic 350 shines in retro appeal and comfort.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?
Pros:
✅ Unique bobber-inspired design
✅ Comfortable ergonomics & lower seat height
✅ Smooth, refined engine
✅ Modern features like LED lights, tripper navigation, and USB-C charging
✅ Excellent braking performance
Cons:
❌ Pricey for a 350cc motorcycle
❌ Stiffer ride quality compared to the Classic 350
❌ Vibrations at higher speeds
❌ Lacks a 6th gear for better highway cruising
The Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350 is a premium offering for those who want a stylish, retro-modern cruiser with a unique bobber appeal. While it is not the fastest or most powerful 350cc motorcycle, it excels in style, comfort, and ride feel. If you value aesthetics, refinement, and exclusivity, this bike is worth considering.
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